Britain stands ‘ready to assist’ Japan

Prime Minister David Cameron has sent sincere sympathies to the people of Japan on behalf of everyone in Britain.

Speaking in Brussels this afternoon he said:

“We do not yet know what the full effects of this disaster will be but on behalf of everyone in Britain, I want to send our sympathies and condolences to the people of Japan and to their Government. These are incredibly distressing times and we stand with you.”

He said that, like many others around the world, he had “been shocked at the devastating scale of this earthquake and the tsunami it has triggered.”

Reiterating his offer of support to Japan, the Prime Minister said:

“We have made clear to the Japanese Government that if they need any additional or specialist help then we stand ready to assist.

“And of course the British Embassy in Tokyo, and our network of Embassies around the Pacific region will offer all the support that is needed to any affected British nationals.”

He added that the Government would be keeping its response and support for Japan and the region under close review over the coming days.

The Prime Minister has been in close contact with the Foreign Secretary William Hague who, earlier today, chaired a meeting of the Government’s Emergency Committee, COBR, to review Britain’s contribution to the international response.

Sending his thoughts to the people of Japan, William Hague said that the Foreign & Commonwealth Office is in contact with the Japanese government and are offering all assistance they can as Japan responds to this terrible disaster.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office is also working urgently to provide consular assistance to British Nationals in Japan.

Following tsunami warnings across the region British Embassies and Consulates are preparing to provide assistance. Rapid Deployment Teams are ready to travel immediately to the areas of most need.

UK nationals in Japan should contact the British Embassy in Tokyo on +(81) 3 5211 1100 or the Consulate-General in Osaka on +(81) 6 6120 5600.